Delcam to Show Easier Inspection Software at CMSC

(Delcam: Salt Lake City) -- Delcam will demonstrate the 2012 release of its PowerINSPECT inspection software at the 2012 Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC), in New Orleans, held July 16–20, 2012. The new version includes a number of extra options to make inspection easier, plus the addition of basic reverse engineering functionality to the point-cloud module.

“PowerINSPECT is firmly established as the world’s leading hardware-independent inspection software, now with the 64-bit version we can provide exceptional calculation speeds compared to our competitors especially when large CAD files need to be manipulated, or very complex or parts with multi-component need to be inspected,” says Philip Hewitt the PowerINSPECT product manager at Delcam.

The software combines the ability to work on all types of inspection devices with a comprehensive range of measurement routines for making simple measurements, for inspecting geometric features and for checking complex surfaces. The resulting reports present detailed information in easy-to-read formats that can be understood by all engineers, not just inspection specialists.

A new option in the PowerINSPECT 2012 release is the new mirror command that has been added for symmetrical components offering significant time-savings, as well as improved ease of use. This allows the inspection sequence to be mirrored from one half of a component to the other half or from the left-hand version of the design to the right-hand copy. The new feature also reduces the possibility of programming errors and improves the consistency of the results between the two halves or parts.

The range of dimensions that can be displayed on the model has been increased to include more types of distance, angles and diameters, and radii. The options to display the various dimensions from the increased range have been made more versatile, to ensure the reports remain easy to read with only the required dimensions shown.

Also added to PowerINSPECT 2012, is a point-cloud module for laser scanners and other point-cloud devices. The STL export provides basic reverse engineering functionality for scanned data and if needed files can be used within Delcam’s PowerSHAPE Pro design software for more advanced reverse engineering operations. For quickly identifying any discontinuities in the data, including gaps or other problem areas, the point-cloud display has been enhanced with an option to show any back-facing points in a second color. This highlights any irregularities that may need to be scanned again to capture the complete model.

Of more general benefit is the ability to measure edge points directly; it is no longer necessary to measure the surface first. This makes the process both easier and faster. However, it is recommended that both the edge and the surface should be checked if there is any likelihood of the part being distorted, for example, when checking sheet-metal components.

The inspection of castings and forgings, and similar near-net shapes, has been improved with the addition of a new best-fit option. This centers the component within the measurement data collected with PowerINSPECT so that the largest possible minimum stock is located around the part. It ensures that positive material exists in all areas of any semi-finished part before it is sent for further machining. The option can be used in combination with the PartAligner software to minimize setup times.

The new mirror command in Delcam’s PowerINSPECT 2012 saves programming time for symmetrical components.

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Delcam

Delcam develops, markets, and supports advanced CAD/CAM solutions for the manufacturing industry. Delcam’s range of design, manufacturing, and inspection software provides complete, automated CAD/CAM solutions to take complex-shaped products from concept to reality. Headquartered in Birmingham, UK, Delcam is known for its high-quality support throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. Its U.S. head office is in Salt Lake City.